9/11 Memorial Grove Ceremony

2006 Ceremony

Moving words, reflective music and simple symbolism highlighted Fairfax
County's fifth annual 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony held on the grounds of
the Government Center on Sept. 11, 2006. Board of Supervisors Chairman
Gerald E. Connolly, Fire Chief Michael Neuhard and Police Chief David
Rohrer delivered remarks that reflected on that dark day five years ago.

"On Sept. 11, 2001 our nation learned
something about heroes. We learned that heroes do not know one
nation or faith. We learned that heroes are those who reach into
themselves in the time of great danger," Connolly said. "Today we
join hearts and hands across our nation and around the world as we
remember the heroes, the sacrifice and the loss of that fateful day."
(Read text of remarks)

In his reflections on the events of Sept. 11, 2001, Neuhard said,
"It is just and right that we stand here today in this beautiful
garden, to again focus our undivided attention and thoughts on those who
lost their lives." (Read text of
remarks)

"It is hard too for us to commemorate Sept. 11 without recalling
vividly the haunting images, and exactly where we were or what we were
doing that morning," Rohrer said. "We provide strength to each
other by remaining committed to values of freedom, service, loyalty and
self-sacrifice." (Read
text of remarks)

In addition to the words shared, the ceremony included laying of a
wreath and tolling of a bell to remember the victims and families of
Sept. 11. The Fairfax County Public Safety Honor Guard led a procession
to the 9/11 Memorial Grove and The Fairfax Jubil-Aires performed
patriotic music.

The 9/11 Memorial Grove was approved by the Board
of Supervisors and designed by Michael McMahon, Fairfax County Tree
Commission chair and a landscape architect for the National Park Service.
The site itself contains symbolism representative of that tragic day in
2001. (Read more about the
symbolism)